DIY: Crochet Emma Lace Scarf by Simona Merchant-Dest

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The Emma Lace Scarf is from the book Simply Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs for Everyday by Interweave Press. I chose this scarf pattern because I loved the scalloped edges and the lacework, and I was intrigued by the lengthwise construction. Since I have a rather tight gauge, I used a 4.5 mm hook for this project. The book categorizes this crochet pattern under the One Skein Projects, so I was happy to use up my one skein of Artfil Mericana DK in the slate colourway that I got from Espace Tricot in Montreal. The pattern in the book calls for 300 yards (274 m) of yarn, and my skein was 244 m. Knowing that I had slightly less yarn than called for, I omitted row 7 from the centre stitch pattern to conserve yarn. However, I should have checked Ravelry for reviews before I started!

I used up my one skein just after completing most of the centre lace portion, and had to order another from Espace Tricot. I was dumbfounded, since I have quite a tight gauge when I crochet, and I had checked my yarn against the pattern. So, onward to Ravelry! There I found that other crocheters had run into the same problem as I had. In the end, I used about 450 m of yarn in my Emma Lace Scarf.

And, after blocking, the lace really opened up and the scallops nicely lay flat. Other than this one, big issue, I really loved the pattern! The pattern starts with a foundation single crochet, which I had never done before. This allows for a stretchier first row than using chains, and stretch is needed since you crochet the scarf lengthwise. Once the first edge is done, worked from the foundation to the scallop, you turn the piece over and start crocheting from the foundation through the centre lace, and then the second scalloped edge.

The Artfil Mericana DK yarn I bought is a lovely tonal grey 100% merino wool. Artfil is a Quebec-based company, which is one of the reasons I bought it when we visited Montreal back in June. Their website says they use an eco-friendly dyeing method that, unlike kettle-dyeing, this ‘spray-painted’ yarn uses significantly less water and energy than traditional methods. The merino makes the yarn squishy and springy, and the scarf itself is warm and cuddly. When I blocked the Emma Lace Scarf, the yarn had a slight sheepy, barnyard odour which disappeared once it dried. I don’t mind, though, since I love the smell of farms!